By LYNNDA HEARD It is easy to forget to recognize those young people in our region that have accomplished amazing levels in athleticism in sports other than football and cricket. One such athlete is equestrian rider and Euroa Secondary College school co-captain Charli Hill from Strathbogie, who has spent much of her life in the saddle. Charli is a remarkable athlete who has reached levels in a sport that requires true dedication that very few attain. “I have been riding since I was four years old, that’s when I competed in my first show, and I was jumping at six," Charli said. "I remember on my eighth birthday I was old enough to enter my first eventing competition; I didn’t want a birthday present, I just wanted mum and dad to enter me into the competition. “I went pretty well with my good old pony who literally carted me around - she knew her stuff.” Charli balances her training schedule with her responsibilities at school, where she is one of a team of four captains and vice-captains. The school's assistant principal Brett Williams said the 2025 leadership quartet were all 'exceptional'. "They have developed into these roles over their time at Euroa and we're excited to see them grow even further into the roles. "We are very lucky to have such strong people as captains and vice-captains." Charli's love of horses and of competing has seen her represent Euroa Secondary College at State and National Championships throughout Australia where her commitment is undeniably on show. However, she would not have been able to accomplish this without the commitment of her parents Katie and Rodney Hill. A highlight for Charli was competing at the National Interschool Championship held in Tamworth in September 2024 where Charli wore a School Victorian logo, representing not only Victoria, but also Euroa Secondary College. Charli participated in the show jumping in the level one-meter-high senior section. The championships were held over seven days – which meant 10 days away from home by the time her mother Katie drove Charlie and her horses there and back again - an exhausting effort. “The drive up took around 16 hours over two days," Charli said. “Dad arrived before the first day of my competition because he was working.” The event required Charli to cover a course of 3 rounds comprising 11 or 12 jumps per course and then a 'jump off' with entrants not knowing the course's layout before the competition. “You only have an opportunity to walk the course just before the event and your horse does not see the course until it is in the competition ring. “You have no idea what to expect." In order to qualify for Nationals, Charli had to place in the top two at the state championships. She finished in first place. Charli's path took a different turn after a fall while training on cross country in 2020. "It was a freak accident," said Charli’s mother Kate. "She came out unscathed, but I was then cautious about eventing for her." Charli said she preferred eventing but that she had made the right decision. “For the longevity of my horse I chose to go straight to showjumping – though I do miss the adrenaline rush of eventing,” she said. "It is a great buzz, and although cross country is amazing, I am better at show jumping as it suits my temperament and personality better. "I am a bit of a perfectionist and showjumping suits in this regard.” 2025 is not only full of training for Charli but, with her all-important year 12 studies as well, she is planning a career as an esthetician and for a future in professional riding. “Competing in the US is my big goal. "Hopefully I can move over there in the next couple of years.” In equestrian sports there is much more than just the rider needing to be fit, athletic, strong, and focused. Their horse must be also, and it takes the rider’s added ability to communicate with their horse to work as one. This requires hundreds of hours of training. “When you are showjumping, you and your horse need to have faith in each other, because navigating around tall, technical courses involves so much trust and communication. “You need to have a lot of technical abilities, it is not as simple as it seems, there is a lot involved to make it a safe and successful experience.”
